Photo credit: The Dream Shake
Houston Rockets' Jalen Green focuses on the playoff race with an amazing performance versus the Washington Wizards
Following his team's victory against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday, the 22-year-old Houston Rockets star achieved a career-high of 42 points. He then revealed the source of his motivation during his games.
"My family," he said, "[and] my baby."
Draya Michele, Green's girlfriend, is expecting their first child, a baby girl, scheduled to arrive in May.
Whether fueled by the impending arrival of his first child or driven to propel the Houston Rockets to their inaugural Play-In Tournament appearance, Jalen Green is delivering the performance of his career. He showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 12 of 21 from the field and 7 of 13 from beyond the arc, while also securing 10 rebounds, dishing out three assists, and contributing a block and a steal in the triumph.
Must read on BasketballPatrol
"It was a good feeling, it shows that the work is working, but that's not important," Green told reporters after the game. "We are chasing a goal to get into the Playoffs and Play-In Tournament. I am going to keep putting my head down and keep working."
The Rockets are on an impressive winning streak, securing victories in six consecutive games and eight of their last 10. Throughout this stretch, Houston has showcased its finest teamwork yet. Despite Alperen Şengün's explosive 45-point performance on March 5, Jalen Green has emerged as the standout player for the Rockets.
During this remarkable run, Green has been instrumental, averaging 27.3 points with shooting splits of .480, .402, and .833. His scoring prowess was evident in the Rockets' matchups against the Phoenix Suns, where he notched 34 points in consecutive games at the Footprint Center.
"I think he did good," coach Ime Udoka said. "He picked his spots. He knows to make the correct pass to the pocket; you are going to have the numbers. He was able to find Jock [Landale] and Jabari [Smith Jr.], and we were able to get layups or wide-open 3's.
"If they are trying to take you out, you can be used a bit to get open looks. But there were times he rejected it and beat the double-team. He wasn't too aggressive to get around it and made the right plays. It showed his growth."
"If they are trying to take you out, you can be used a bit to get open looks. But there were times he rejected it and beat the double-team. He wasn't too aggressive to get around it and made the right plays. It showed his growth."
In their recent game against the Wizards, Green spearheaded a 29-8 surge in the third quarter, contributing 15 points in that period alone. Despite the Wizards adjusting their defensive tactics to contain him in the fourth quarter, Green remained aggressive, utilizing double-teams to create opportunities for his teammates. This showcases Green's evolution into a versatile player.
Thanks to Green's stellar performances, the Rockets have improved their record to 33-35, making significant strides towards securing a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Following their win against the Wizards, the Rockets currently trail the Golden State Warriors by 2.5 games for the final Play-In Tournament berth in the Western Conference.
Source : PageSix
Source : Sports Illustrated
Previously on BasketballPatrol
| POLL | ||
March 20 | 22 answers Houston Rockets' Jalen Green focuses on the playoff race with an amazing performance versus the Washington Wizards Do you think the Rockets can make it to the playoff this season? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 40.9 % |
| No | 13 | 59.1 % |
| LIST OF POLL | ||
Latest 10 stories
TOP 5
FOLLOW US
 | ||
| 1 034 820 followers | ||